We've survived - it's Christmas!
On the first INSET in September when the staff were gathering ideas of what we wanted to achieve this year, one of the post it notes said 'survive the first term!' We can honestly say that we think we have done more than survive the first term. We think it is a huge achievement that not only have we managed to keep all bubbles open for the whole term, we also have happy children who are thoroughly enjoying school. You only have to walk the school and talk to the children to realise how resilient they are, how quickly they have adapted to the new normal and how well they have coped with everything that has been different this year. Not only are they happy and settled, they are full engaged with their learning and making huge progress.
We are very aware that this is not the case in many schools and we honestly believe it is about the ethos at St Martin's and the way that everyone - staff, parents, governors, St Martin's church, the local village and the children - all work together and approach everything with a positive, can do attitude. We are aware of several local schools, where attendance has been low, because parents have not felt comfortable sending their children into school. We'd like to thank all of you for the trust you have shown in us as a school to look after your children during this pandemic. We'd also like to thank all of you for your continued support and understanding, especially when things haven't gone exactly to plan, this term - it really has made a huge difference!
We know that over lock down, many of you enjoyed our regular staff films. As a special Christmas treat, we have produced another one - our very own version of 'The 12 Days of Christmas'. We shared it with the children earlier, but it is now available on our school website under the staff films section, if you would like to take a look. We hope you enjoy spotting all the different members of staff who contributed to it and that it brings a smile to your face this Christmas!
Finally, we would all like to wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas. We are aware that Christmas may be a little different this year, but whatever you do, we hope that find time to rest, relax and recuperate from what has been a very busy term and manage to enjoy quality time with your loved one.
Happy Christmas from everyone at St Martin's School